On November 29th, 2022 John S. Kennedy of St. Albert, Alberta passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while visiting his family in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
John was born in Montreal on March 22, 1947 to J. Stanley and Phyllis (Dufresne) Kennedy. As the children of a United Church minister, John and his sisters, Maureen (Don) Ross and Myra Kennedy, moved all around Ontario and Quebec serving different communities.
John was an enthusiastic and life long learner. He went to McGill University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and his Law Degree. After his formal studies, he moved to Alberta, eventually settling in St. Albert.
His passion for learning led him down a rich career path. He began his professional life as a teacher in Northern Quebec. In 1986, he was admitted to the Alberta Law Society. He spent most of his career working as a bilingual crown prosecutor.
In 1986, John married Laura (Rhodes) Kennedy and together they raised three wonderful children: Kimberly (Mark) Haldane, Brian (Jennifer) Mendieta and Alec Kennedy. He was a great cheerleader whenever his children pursued anything.
In 2012, John retired to take on his most important and, as he would say, most fulfilling job: being Papa John. Kolbe, Elianna, Theresa, Adelaide, Lillian and Claira were blessed with his patient teachings where he shared his love of stargazing, eating desserts, and reading. He would happily spend the day reading to his grandchildren and traipsing through the snow to look at the heavens.
John was passionate about music. In his retirement, he taught himself to play the bagpipes and joined the Edmonton Transit Band. One of his cherished memories was playing the bagpipes at Vimy Ridge. He was also a long-time member of the St. Albert Singers where he entertained many folks with his musical and acting talents.
Upon his request, John has donated his body to the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical School. Here he will continue to help students learn and develop their skills as doctors. This continues his legacy of working for the good of others.
On January 5th, 2023 there will be a memorial mass held at Holy Family Parish in St. Albert. All are welcome to come celebrate John’s life. The service will be at 11am. In his memory, the family is asking for donations to the St. Albert Public Library in lieu of flowers.
